Summary Statement

A class incumbent is responsible for ensuring plumbing construction, alteration, repair and installation work performed by licensed plumbers and private homeowners is in conformance with the State of Delaware plumbing code and related codes, ordinances, regulations and standards.

Nature and Scope

This class reports to an administrative superior. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with Title 16, Delaware Code; The Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) National Plumbing Code; related federal, state, county and local building codes; and departmental practices and procedures. A class incumbent works independently with no direct technical supervision and is responsible for inspecting plumbing installations on new construction, renovations and repairs in commercial and private buildings; enforcing the State plumbing code; and issuing plumbing permits. Concurrently, an incumbent receives complaints concerning dangerous or improper conditions; provides consulting services and solves operational problems for licensed plumbers, private homeowners, and State, county and local officials. Significant aspects of work in this class include conducting investigations on plumbing work performed without a permit; enforcing codes, rules and regulations; serving as expert witness for court cases; and initiating corrective action for plumbing work that does not conform to applicable codes.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Receives and approves applications for plumbing permits. Determines applicable codes, ordinances, regulations and standards for perspective work. Evaluates required plans, drawings and specifications to ensure all requirements are met. Issues permits and coordinates with plumbers and homeowners to determine timing of site inspections.

Inspects the installation of underground and roughed-in plumbing to assure work is done according to approved plans, specifications and acceptable plumbing standards by authorized persons. Performs final plumbing inspection upon completion of work. Contacts and/or meets with plumbers and homeowners to notify of work not in compliance with codes, regulations, etc. and to advise of requirements.

Performs facilitating inspection services to enable health officials to insure the control of water and sewage related diseases.

Cites violation of codes, recommends and enforces corrective action. Conducts follow-up inspection(s). Works with superiors and the Attorney General's Office in cases that require legal action. Gathers evidence. Takes photographs of areas in violation. Testifies in court as necessary.

Represents the agency in contacts with local, county and other State inspection and enforcement units on plumbing system issues. Performs special investigations of plumbing systems and/or develops and recommends corrective action plans.

Interprets and explains plumbing code and related regulations to registered plumbers and homeowners.

Prepares reports and maintains records pertinent to inspections and enforcement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

Knowledge of materials, tools, machinery, methods, practices and principles used in the plumbing trade.

Knowledge of applicable federal, State, and local plumbing codes, ordinances and regulations.

Knowledge of applicable sections of building, housing and fire codes and regulations, including those concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act and building accessibility for the handicapped.